SIMON MAMO REAL ESTATE

Culture of Malta 'The Three Cities'

The three fortified towns, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua also known as the COTTONERA takes their name from Grand Master Cottoner (1663-1680) who commissioned, at his own expense, the extensive lines of these fortifications of what is also known as the Three Cities. The latter name was a term used during the French Occupation (1798-1800) when Napoleon decreed that Malta should be divided into a number of administrative units.

The oldest of the three is Vittoriosa (Birgu). In 1530, The order of St. John established its Headquarters in what was still a small village known as Borgo del Castello. The Knights who were aware of the imminent strikes by the Turks began to strengthen forts fortifications particularly those of Fort St. Angelo.

Cospicua, which is the largest of the three, earned its name because of its conspicuous role in the 1565 siege. Most of its shoreline is taken by Malta's largest industrial enterprise, the Drydocks. The chief monumental building in this city is undoubtedly the church of the Immaculate Conception. It is not only rich in treasure but also an exquisite work of art.

The small city of Senglea stands on the narrow promontory, which protrudes into Grand Harbour between two creeks. L Isla, as preferred by the Maltese means 'The Island'. Fort St. Michael protected Senglea on its landward side with Fort St. Angelo on its eastern flank. The Unconquered City, during the 1565 siege was given the title of CITTA INVICTA by Grand Master La Vallette. Built in 1743 and nearly destroyed during the Second World War, the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Victories houses the statue of the Bambina, which represents the nativity of Our Lady.

Behind these thick impenetrable walls lie functioning cities and towns. Some of the most famous are the towns known as the Three Cities which lie around the Grand Harbor perimeter.
Today they are a neighborhood full of homes and families intermixed with historical buiildings and fortresses all flanked by an upscale yacht harbor. The area is in a constant state of revitalization as old ship warehouses and fortifications are changed into modern housing with a historical touch. These are the up and coming neighborhoods of Malta and will most likely transform extensively in the next 5 years.
I suggest you start in the morning and walk around the hilly streets of Senglea going down winding alleys and roads, interacting with the locals, poke your head into churches, stepping into the Band Clubs for a refreshment. Go through Cospicua and then go to Vittoriosa and stroll along the docks and view the massive yachts and grab lunch outside by the water at one of the many new restaurants serving the yachting crowd. Stop by the old men on the corner who are offering boat taxi rides and tours around he harbor for a small price and get a different perspective. Then stroll up to see the Inquisitors palace or other museums making a day of the slow, simple life in the modern day Three Cities of Malta.

Take your time and book a full weekend to visit this amazing place or come for the summer and enjoy our amazing island of Malta . In both cases make your accomodation feels just like home ,that's why don't hesitate to contact the best real estate in Malta .